Sierra Leone
Sierra Leone faces widespread poverty, high inflation, and severe malnutrition, particularly affecting vulnerable rural and urban populations.
A young and predominantly rural population
More than 20 years after the end of the civil war, Sierra Leone continues to bear the heavy legacy of the conflict. The country still faces persistent challenges: widespread poverty, high inflation (20% in 2024), and severe malnutrition.
The population is very young (nearly 75% are under 35) and more than half live in rural areas. Entrepreneurship is widespread, with over 90% of the working population self-employed.
The country is also a major producer of minerals and is working to strengthen social protection and gender equality.
A population facing poverty and economic insecurity
With an estimated population of 8.5 million, Sierra Leone ranks 184th out of 193 countries on the Human Development Index. More than half of the population lives below the poverty line, limiting access to essential services and economic opportunities.
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8.5 millions of inhabitants
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184/193 in the HDI ranking
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57 % of the population lives below the poverty line
Supporting social and economic inclusion in disadvantaged neighborhoods and rural areas
In a context where social microfinance services remain very limited, Entrepreneurs du Monde operates in the disadvantaged neighborhoods of Freetown through the social microfinance institution Munafa and, since 2023, has been expanding its activities to rural areas in order to reach more vulnerable populations.
Our country programs
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![deux agricultrices accompagnées par Munafa sont dans un champ]()
Economic and social inclusion
Munafa
Munafa offers micro-entrepreneurs comprehensive support to develop their small businesses, become self-sufficient, and improve their families' living conditions.
